Two educators from Colorado SKIES Academy have been selected to participate in the NASA LiftOff Summer Institute 2025, a significant professional development opportunity that underscores the school's dedication to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
Mary Gispan and Craig Kemper will join a select group of educators from across the United States for an immersive five-day experience in Houston, Texas, from June 23–27, 2025. The program, hosted by NASA's Texas Space Grant Consortium and the Center for Space Research at The University of Texas at Austin, offers teachers an unprecedented opportunity to engage directly with NASA scientists and engineers.
During the institute, participants will tour cutting-edge aerospace facilities and engage in hands-on STEM activities designed to bring real-world space exploration experiences into their classrooms. The Colorado Space Grant Consortium will support the teachers by covering their accommodations, meals, local transportation, and facility tours.
Campus Director Meredith Motley emphasized the significance of this opportunity, noting that the selected teachers exemplify the academy's commitment to innovation and curiosity. By participating in this program, Gispan and Kemper are positioned to enhance the school's aerospace-focused curriculum and provide students with more dynamic, experience-driven learning opportunities.
The LiftOff Summer Institute represents more than just a professional development opportunity; it is a critical pathway for transforming STEM education. By connecting educators directly with space exploration professionals, the program aims to inspire and equip teachers with cutting-edge knowledge and resources that can spark student interest in scientific and technological fields.
For Colorado SKIES Academy, this selection reinforces its mission of preparing students for success in high school, college, and future STEM careers. The school's innovative approach to education, centered on aerospace themes, continues to distinguish it as a forward-thinking educational institution committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
